Sag Harbor Reads One Book

What would happen if everyone in Sag Harbor read the same book? Could a story bring people together? Would you hear people sharing their wide-ranging opinions in town, and at the park, and on the beach? At the John Jermain Memorial Library, we want to find out! This year, we’ve selected a graphic novel, El Deafo, as our “Sag Harbor Reads” title, and we’re handing them out to each family and patron that wants to participate. (Last year’s One Book title was A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle.) Copies are available in English and Spanish, and coordinating events are planned throughout the summer. (See below for a full list of events.) Stop by the library during July and August to pick up a copy (while supplies last), and participate in the community discussion all summer long.

Special thanks to the Hilaria and Alec Baldwin Foundation for making this program possible.

Coordinating Events

All programs take place at the John Jermain Memorial Library. Call 631 725.0049 for more information.

ASL: American Sign Language
For adults and young people ages 9 and up. Let’s have fun with a visual language. During these sessions you’ll not only be learning some basic ASL–Yes! we’ll be signing songs–but we’ll also be looking at visual jokes and puns. Lou Ann Walker, author of the memoir A Loss For Words, facilitates this class about connecting and truly seeing. Registration required, limit 15.Saturdays, July 7, 14, 21, 10:15-11:45 am

Create Your Own El Deafo Bookmarks
Ages 5-7 years. Do you ever wish you had a superpower like Cece from the book El Deafo? Design a bookmark and transform yourself into a superhero!Thursday, July 12, 11:30-12:30 p.m.

Why Graphic Novels?…Because they are important.
Join our youth services librarian, Jaime, as she discusses why juvenile and teen graphic novels are so wildly popular, why your kids love them, and most of all, why they are important. She will have books on hand for you and your family to browse and to borrow from the library. Families with children welcome. Please register in advance.Sunday, July 15, 1:00-2:00 pm

Sign Language, Stories and Songs
Elementary school teacher and sign language expert, Kim Randall, will be on hand to teach children the basics of sign language incorporating music and movement. Registration required.Monday, July 16, 12:00-1:00 p.m.: Ages 5-8; 1:00-2:00 p.m.: Ages 9-12.

Create Your Own Comics: Children and Teens
Join us for a crash course in creating comics by a professional creator, Peter Spacek. Space is limited, must register in advance.Monday July 16, Ages 7-12: 3:00-4:30 p.m.; Ages 12-17: 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.

Film: Mr. Holland’s Opus
Enjoy a screening of this film about a frustrated composer, who comes to realize that his real passion is teaching and that his legacy is not a truly memorable piece of music, but the generations of young people whose lives he affects. Rated PG, 2 hrs 23 minutes. Starring Richard Dreyfuss, Olympia Dukakis, Glenne Headly, William H. Macy.Monday, July 23, 4:00 – 6:30 pm

El Deafo Escape Room Challenge: Family Program
For all ages. Can you use your superpowers to break free? You and your team will have 20 minutes to solve a series of riddles, decipher the clues, and find the key to escape! Do you have the brainpower and teamwork skills needed to win? For all ages, families and teams of up to six players sign up and select one of two difficulty levels. Advanced registration required; time slots will be assigned.Fri., August 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sat., August 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.